13-07-2023
Introducing Finwerd Flavours & Fragrances: Redefining the Power of Flavour
Flavour is a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, influencing the taste and sensory experience of the products we consume. However, behind the scenes, there is a world of innovation and science dedicated to perfecting the flavours we encounter. One such company leading the way in this field is Finwerd Flavours & Fragrances, a Dutch flavour house that uses cutting-edge ingredients, market insights, and consumer preferences to design the perfect taste experience for its customers' products.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Steven Kabuito, Co-founder and Director of Operations of Finwerd Flavours & Fragrances, to learn more about the company and the ways in which they expect to benefit from being a part of the Planet B.io community.
“Finwerd Flavours & Fragrances is a Dutch flavour house specializing in creating flavours and fragrances for a wide range of products,” Steven explains. “From toothpaste to scented candles, chewing gum to yogurt, and cookies to beverages, our flavours and fragrances add consistency and enhance the sensory appeal of these products. We operate in the business-to-business sector, supplying flavours to companies and assisting them in developing new concepts.”
How has the industry evolved, and what role does Finwerd play?
“There has been a significant shift in the industry, with many companies outsourcing their research and development (R&D) to specialized flavour houses like Finwerd,” Steven continues. “Instead of developing flavours and products internally, companies now rely on us to determine the latest taste trends and create stable and innovative concepts. This allows companies to focus on their core strengths, such as marketing and packaging, while we handle the product development process. Our expertise enables us to meet the specific needs of companies, especially in markets that are often overlooked, such as Africa.”
A strong focus on Africa
“While we have customers worldwide, our primary focus is on Africa,” says Steven. “We believe the continent is underrepresented in terms of flavour houses that understand its unique challenges and requirements. Many major companies overlook Africa as an important market, and that's where we see an opportunity to thrive. Our goal is to establish strong relationships with local champion companies in Africa, where we can make a significant impact.”
Steven emphasizes the company's commitment to addressing silent hunger, a pervasive issue in many African communities. “Silent hunger arises from the lack of access to nutritious and diverse food options, often due to economic constraints or limited availability of fresh produce. Finwerd is committed to making a positive impact by collaborating with local organizations to develop affordable and nutritious flavour solutions for essential food products. By enhancing the taste, nutritional value and palatability of these products, we aim to contribute to the fight against silent hunger and improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities.”
What excites you the most about your work at Finwerd?
“As the Director of Operations, I find the innovation aspect of our work most exciting. We constantly explore new flavours and ingredients, aiming to push the boundaries of what is possible. In Africa, we often come across traditional products with immense potential but limited utilization. It's rewarding to transform these ingredients into flavours that can be used in cookies, energy drinks, and various other products. The opportunity to innovate and create new flavour profiles is truly enjoyable.”
Research and Development at Finwerd
“In our flavours division, we excel in matching and replicating specific flavours. For example, if a customer wants a consistent mass-produced version of a natural product, we can analyze its composition, balance the ingredients, and develop a flavour that meets their requirements. Additionally, we focus on innovating new flavours, particularly in the plant-based meat industry, which is a growing market. While we have primarily focused on beverage, dairy, confectionery, and bakery flavours in the past, we recognize the potential in the plant-based meat and fish sector and are expanding our expertise in that area.”
Ensuring consistent quality
Maintaining consistent quality is a top priority for Finwerd Flavours & Fragrances. “We adhere to strict standards and regulations, including ISO standards and FSSE 22000,” says Steven. “Every raw material we receive is thoroughly checked against a certificate of analysis, and we maintain complete traceability throughout the production process. This means we can trace any issues that may arise and address them promptly. Additionally, we have specific storage requirements for our flavours, depending on their characteristics, to maintain their quality over time.”
Competition and differentiation
Finwerd Flavours & Fragrances competes with prominent flavor houses like dsm-ferminich, Givaudan, IFF, and Symrise. While they acknowledge these companies as competitors, Finwerd has chosen to carve out a niche in the market. ”We differentiate ourselves by focusing on a niche market and working with local champion companies,” Steven explains. “We prioritize establishing personal connections with our customers, particularly in Africa, where we believe we can make a significant impact. While larger flavour houses may prioritize working with big-name companies, we find fulfilment in collaborating with companies that have a strong presence in their local markets.”
Joining the Planet B.io community
“Being a resident at Planet B.io presents exciting opportunities for us. Collaborating with like-minded innovators and industry experts allows us to exchange knowledge, ideas, and resources. We look forward to networking with other community members, such as Umami Meats and Meatable, and exploring potential partnerships to drive innovation in the plant-based meat and fish sector. Additionally, the access to state-of-the-art facilities, Service Lab Delft and the support offered by Planet B.io will further enhance our R&D capabilities and enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers,” Steven concludes.
Finwerd Flavours & Fragrances is at the forefront of flavour innovation, creating consistent and delightful taste experiences for a wide range of products. Their focus on Africa and collaboration with local champion companies sets them apart in the industry. With a commitment to quality and a passion for innovation, Finwerd is poised to make a lasting impact on the flavour industry, both locally and globally.
Want to learn more about Finwerd Flavours & Fragrances? Check out their website; www.finwerd.com